Jersey City Medical Center recognizes summer interns at ceremony

The 17 high school and college students who interned at Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health this summer were recognized Friday at a luncheon in their honor.

The interns worked in various departments at the hospital, including the emergency room, physical therapy, pharmacy, dental, human resources, and public affairs.

Each intern were assigned a mentor who worked in the department. The interns worked full-time for six weeks and were paid $8.25 per hour.

Lourdes Valdes, the hospital's employment training and development manager, one of the leaders of the program, asked each intern to share a lesson they learned during their stint at the hospital.

"All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them," said Natasha Diaz, a rising junior majoring in English at Fordham University, quoting Walt Disney.

Diaz worked with Mark Rabson, the corporate director of public affairs at the hospital, writing press releases and editing the summer newsletter.

The best part of the job, she said, was "being able to have such a great boss and great opportunity."

Rabson returned the compliment.

"I think she will do very well in a career in marketing or public relations," Rabson said.

Several interns also gave a presentation on the department they worked in.

Same Day Surgery Intern James Marchione assisted the doctors in the deparment and had the opportunity to watch anesthesia administered to patients. He said that a patient's family member once yelled at him and told him to perform tasks he was not authorized to do. Marchione said he handled the situation by staying calm.

Physical Therapy Intern Cristina Larobis, a junior at St. Peter's University, prepared exercise machines, ensured the safety of patients and taught exercises at the hospital.

"I'm excited to work here in September again," Larobis said in an interview.

Valdes said that in addition to teaching the youths skills within their departments, the internship also teaches them social skills and helps them develop friendships with others in the same field. She said almost all of them were shy at the beginning, but she saw a significant difference after having them introduce themselves to all the other interns and eating lunch together with one another.

"Magic, I call it magic," Valdes told The Journal.

Human Resources Vice President Mary Cataudella explained how the interns also learned how to act more responsible because they were required to arrive to on time and comply with the proper dress codes.

"It's a great opportunity. I wish I had this when I was their age," Cataudella said.

Valdes said the program has grown since it began three years ago. The first year, there were only 12 interns. She said she is willing to expand it in the future, but it will be a little difficult since the hospital is non-profit and does not have a large budget.